National Pizza Day, I celebrate, National Margarita Day, I mark that on my calendar.

Professional Pet Sitters Week, (March 6-12) you can bet I’ll be celebrating not only because it’s my chosen profession but also because I admire my colleagues who have built amazing businesses, who offer their clients peace of mind and who have helped shape our professional industry into what it is today. They’re exceptional entrepreneurs who run their businesses legally and ethically, who value continued education in all things animal but also they continue to grow operationally. Like all businesses, pet sitting has evolved from where I started 20 years ago, we had actual landlines and a big decision was whether or not to take out a yellow page ad but one thing has remained constant, the care, compassion and love that each of these professionals show your pets and your home while you’re away. What defines a professional pet sitter you may ask?

1. They are set up as legitimate businesses, they are structured as an S-Corp, an LLC, LLP or whatever business structure best defines their operations.
2. They’re insured, this shows they understand this is a business and with that there are risks that need to be covered by specialized pet sitting insurance.
3. They operate within the laws of their municipality, county and state.
4. They pet sit or operate their business for a living, while there are some very good hobby sitters out there (those who watch animals as a side hustle or for fun) professional sitters live and breathe this way of life and their client’s pets.
5. Professional pet sitters seek credibility, they enhance their minds and operations with continued education, be it attaining Pet First Aid Certification, or a Professional Sitter Certification or attending conferences and networking events. Professional pet sitters are expanding their minds on a regular basis.
6. They have a plan in case of an emergency, either the sitter gets sick, or the pets need emergency help or there is a weather event that makes it necessary to enact some sort of preparations or evacuation.
7. They seek out and are members of a Professional Association that helps support them and their business ventures.

How do you find a reliable pet sitter? I’ll say Always Hire A Pro! Don’t be shy about asking them if they do this for a living, do they have insurance, what are their credentials? Get references and call those people. Don’t be surprised when they come to your house for a professional meet and greet, there will be two-way interview so that both you and the sitter feel this is a beneficial arrangement and that they have you sign a contract. Remember professionals operate on whole different playing field, we’re not the kid down the street or the kindly neighbor, your pets and your home’s safety are our business and livelihood.  Use the NAPPS Pet Sitter locator page to find a professional who offers the services you desire and who serves your area.

If you’ve already hired a professional pet sitter, please honor them by writing a referral or by giving a review we work hard to love on your pets and keep them safe and to please you and by taking a few minutes to write some kind words means so much. If you haven’t found a professional sitter yet check out that locator page and get the ball rolling before the summer travel season hits.

We should all celebrate Professional Pet Sitters Week they’re such a valuable addition to your service providers list and they’ll be one of your pet’s most cherished friends and advocates.

Happy Professional Pet Sitters Week to all my amazing colleagues.

Yvette Gonzales

As You Wish, LLC  

Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer and Past President